Friends Don’t Let Friends Push Mongo

Let’s face it, half of us skaters learned to push the wrong way. Weather it felt more natural at first or some poser convinced us pushing with your front foot and steering from the back was the “correct way,” mongo happens. I see it every day…and it’s not just the beginners. Pool skaters like to think it doesn’t matter. When you drop in there is no pushing required…but you still look like a dork when you skate off to get your frosty refreshment. Pushing with your front foot is not only bad style - it is dysfunctional technique. No matter what their skill level every mongoloid out there should take the time to learn it right.

Avid street skaters seem to be the most willing to correct this particular bad habit. There comes a time when the gaps grow larger and the runways shorter and pushing at the speed of mongo just doesn’t cut it anymore. The need to progress usually catalyzes the effort to switch feet. From those who don’t think it necessary I’ve heard every excuse:

1) “I’m more comfortable and get more speed pushing like an angry donkey.”

2) “I learned to push this way and it’s too late/difficult/boring to switch.”

3) “I’m just starting to really progress, switching over now will only slow me down.”

And worst of all:

4) “I don’t care if I have bad style.”

To number one – staying in your comfort zone is never a progressive attitude toward skateboarding. And even though it may be slower learning to push correctly at first, after a little practice you will be introduced to a whole new world of speed. Have you ever seen some one attempt a running-start-hop-on to mongo? Not effective or pretty so take the time to learn it right.

To excuse number two – it is never too late or too hard. Think of it like learning a new trick. Kickflips even ollies are crazy hard at first, but if you apply the same determination and relentlessness to correcting your awful habit as you did to learning the other basics, you will not only make the switch but you will be very glad that you did.

Number three - I can see your point. It really does feel like a giant step backward. Not to mention working on pushing all over again is not the most enjoyable or rewording experience. But, I cannot emphasize enough how crucial it really is. Yes, it feels like a regression at first, but try to picture yourself with all the skills of your favorite pro, against them in competition. They exude the fluidity of a graceful glide that can only come from effortless propulsion and seamless foot placement competing against you, kicking along like three-legged dog with arthritis. Who do you think will take the X-games gold? It is worth the time it takes to do it right and will ultimately speed up the learning process. All that time you waste wiggling your feet into place can be spent on learning new tricks.

Lastly if you belong to excuse number four… go to Play It Again Sports and trade in your deck for a razor scooter or a nice pair of shinny new roller blades. Be sure to pick up a copy of Tony Hawk’s latest video game on your way home.

Seriously, if you are just starting out, save yourself a ton of trouble and learn to push with your back foot. You don’t need to switch your stance from regular to goofy or vise versa, simply plant your front foot on the board FIRST every time and push with the remaining extremity.

Mandy Esch
360SkateSchool.com

Today I meet with the casting directors from MTV’s show "Made" There is a girl from Ohio who wants to be made into a skateboarder. "Made" is looking at me to instruct her. I’m excited and hopeful. Wish me luck!

Mandy Esch

360SkateSchool.com